Sturgeon River (Michigan) facts for kids
The Sturgeon River is a name given to several different rivers in the state of Michigan, USA. It might seem a bit confusing that multiple rivers share the same name, but this often happens when rivers are known for similar features or wildlife, like the sturgeon fish! In Michigan, there are four main rivers called Sturgeon River. Each of these rivers flows through different areas and eventually empties into larger lakes or other rivers. Let's learn more about each one!
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Sturgeon River in Delta County
This Sturgeon River starts in Alger County. It flows out of a lake called Sixteenmile Lake. From there, it mostly travels south. This river eventually empties into a large bay known as the Big Bay de Noc.
West Branch of the Delta County Sturgeon River
A smaller part of this river, called the West Branch Sturgeon River, begins its journey nearby. It flows southeast until it joins the main Sturgeon River.
Sturgeon River in Houghton County
This Sturgeon River starts in Baraga County, close to a place called Nestoria. It flows until it reaches Portage Lake. Portage Lake is part of the Keweenaw Waterway, which is a channel that connects Lake Superior to itself, cutting across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
West Branch of the Houghton County Sturgeon River
The West Branch of this Sturgeon River begins in the western part of Houghton County. It then flows and connects with the main Sturgeon River near the town of Pelkie.
Sturgeon River in Cheboygan County
This Sturgeon River starts in Otsego County, close to the city of Gaylord. It flows into Burt Lake in the community of Indian River. In the past, a part of this river used to flow into the Indian River. However, today, the main part of the Sturgeon River flows directly into Burt Lake.
West Branch of the Cheboygan County Sturgeon River
The West Branch of this river starts in the southeastern part of Charlevoix County. It then flows and joins the main Sturgeon River in the town of Wolverine.
Little Sturgeon River
There's also a river called the Little Sturgeon River. It starts in Cheboygan County, a bit northeast of Wolverine. It flows north, generally running alongside the main Sturgeon River. The Little Sturgeon River empties into the old channel of the Sturgeon River, which used to connect to the Indian River.
Sturgeon River in Dickinson County
This Sturgeon River is formed when two other rivers, the East Branch and the West Branch, come together. After they meet, the Sturgeon River flows on and eventually empties into the Menominee River near the town of Norway.
East Branch of the Dickinson County Sturgeon River
The East Branch of this Sturgeon River begins in the central part of Dickinson County.
West Branch of the Dickinson County Sturgeon River
The West Branch of this river starts in the west-central part of Dickinson County.
North Branch of the Dickinson County Sturgeon River
A smaller river, called the North Branch Sturgeon River, also starts in west-central Dickinson County. It flows into the West Branch of the Sturgeon River.
